A historic moment as World Aquatics commits to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework
World Aquatics has officially joined the United Nations' Sports for Climate Action Framework, an initiative aimed at encouraging the global sports community to contribute to worldwide climate action goals.
The announcement was made today at a special event on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With aquatic sports strongly linked to the natural environment, the significance of threats posed by climate change are great. The meet the challenge, World Aquatics is evolving its sustainability efforts with the creation of an ambitious sustainability strategy which supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and covers Environmental, Social and Governance issues. Joining the UN Sports For Climate Action Framework marks a significant step and commitment on this journey, helping to ensure that the sport's future is sustainable and that its athletes and sports are protected.
World Aquatics will align with its stakeholders to ensure that systematic efforts are undertaken both in the short and long term to promote greater environmental responsibility, to educate about climate action, promote sustainable and responsible consumption and advocate for climate action through communication.
Progress has been made around socially-focussed programmes such as the Discover Water programme (also launched in Paris, on World Drowning Prevention Day – 25 July) which aims to provide young children around the world with the necessary education and skills to enjoy aquatics sports safely. This programme is intrinsically linked to environmental protection, understanding that water quality can affect safety and biodiversity.
To mark the occasion of World Aquatics’ signing of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Business Engagement Lead for UN Global Climate Action, made a keynote speech.
A panel discussion was also held, led by Marie Sallois – Director of Corporate and Sustainable Development at the IOC and featuring the 2023 IOC Climate Action Awards 2023 finalists. The panel provided an engaging platform for open dialogue, highlighting the need for collective action and innovative solutions to protect the future of aquatics sports.
Today's event also announced the IOC Climate Action Awards 2024 finalists. These awards recognise the inspiring, innovative, and creative approaches to delivering a better world. The finalists represent a diverse range of projects that are leading the way for environmental responsibility from Olympic athletes, National Olympic Committees and International Federations.
Speaking about the signing, World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam stated: “Our athletes compete in water. Preserving our seas, rivers and lakes is central to the survival of our planet and our sport. It is imperative that we all work together across the global sporting community - and beyond – for this critical issue.”
A number of aquatics athletes, including Anthony Ervin and Pernille Blume, attended the event and discussed and expressed their support for World Aquatics’ aims. Their presence demonstrated the growing recognition among athletes of the importance of protecting the planet.
World Aquatics' signing of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework during the Olympic Games marks a significant step in the safeguarding of aquatic sports and the world. With the support of athletes and experts, World Aquatics is committed to making a lasting impact in this area.
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